How should a notary keep their supplies when not in use?

The correct answer emphasizes the importance of securing notarial supplies to prevent unauthorized access and potential fraud. A notary's supplies, which typically include a seal, official journal, and other sensitive materials, must be kept in a secure location where only the notary has access. This ensures that the integrity of the notary's work is maintained and that no one else can misuse the supplies for ill purposes.

By keeping notarial supplies in a location that the notary controls solely, it reduces the risk of tampering or improper use. Notaries are entrusted with a significant responsibility, and safeguarding their materials is critical to upholding that trust and ensuring that their actions are valid and recognized legally.

Other locations, such as a publicly accessible office, do not provide adequate security, as they might allow anyone to access the supplies, leading to potential misuse. Similarly, keeping items in any unlocked location would not provide the necessary protection against unauthorized access. Maintaining a locked drawer or secure location contributes to responsible notarial practice while aligning with legal protocols and safeguards against liability.